Your story could help McMorran win $150,000

Prowlers' captain Joe Pace skates off the ice saluting the crowd after getting in a fight Sunday, Nov. 8, during a Federal League Hockey game against the Berlin River Drivers at McMorran Arena.(Photo: ANDREW JOWETT, TIMES HERALD)Buy Photo

Joe Pace Sr. has experienced McMorran Place from a lot of different angles.

He's been on the ice as a player, a parent, a visiting coach and the head coach of the hometown team.

One of his most striking memories during his time in hockey was when he faced off against the Port Huron Prowlers in January 2016 as the coach of the Dayton Demolition. His son, Joe Pace Jr., played for the Prowlers. Joe Pace Sr. recalled his own desire to win, his desire to see his son succeed and the atmosphere in the rink.

"The building was loud and the crowd was loud and it was very competitive," Pace Sr. said. He is now the Prowlers' head coach.

"It was the first time I ever felt bad for the other team's coach," Pace Jr. said.

Pace Jr. first played at McMorran Place when he was about 14 years old during the International Silver Stick competition. Years later, when he was about 19, he returned with the Rockford Ice Hogs.

"To me, it was a very nostalgic, telling all the guys that I used to play here," Pace Jr. said. "Every time you step on the ice for practice, you're a part of hockey history."

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Prowlers head coach Joe Pace Sr. gives directions to the team during a practice Oct. 31. The Prowlers will play their first game against the Danville Dashers Friday night at the David S. Palmer Arena in Danville.(Photo: Brian M. Wells/Times Herald)

McMorran Place is calling upon area hockey fans to share their favorite memories at the rink for the Kraft Hockeyville Competition. If McMorran racks up enough points, the venue could win the chance to host a pre-season NHL game and $150,000 for improvements.

The competition works by awarding points when people upload stories, photos and videos to the Kraft Hockeyville Website. The cutoff date for these submissions is March 10.

"If you just answer the questions and don't give a story, we don't get as many points," said Rob Churchill, McMorran general manager.

In late March, judges will narrow the competition to four finalists. Those finalists will have until April 12 to build community support before live voting begins the next day. The winner will be announced April 14 during an intermission of the NBCSN's Stanley Cup Playoff coverage.

If McMorran Place won, Churchill said he would like to see the money go to lighting and seating upgrades. But he said the NHL game might be more valuable.

"I think the whole town could benefit from a pre-season hockey game," Churchill said.

Hockey's tight-knit community and the support of fans is vital, Pace Sr. said.

"Hockey is a small community, you cross paths with people over the years — it's nice," he said.

Anyone who has a favorite memory of their time at McMorran can share it at the Kraft Hockeyville website at bit.ly/2Hhe2Yi. The deadline for submissions is March 10.